FAQs 2020-21 Academic Year

Yes, you are encouraged to quarantine in place before your return to campus. 

Quarantine in place means

• limiting the number of close contacts (within 6 feet) you have,
• wearing your face covering for protection during essential activities like work or grocery shopping,
• maintaining appropriate distance during essential activities, including exercise,
• washing your hands before touching your face,
• prioritizing social gatherings that are virtual,
• not participating in events with crowds,
• avoiding travel to areas of high COVID cases: VA hot spots and U.S. hot spots,
• continuing good hand-washing hygiene, such as washing hands before and after touching your face and after touching public or high-touch surfaces.

 When you travel, follow COVID protocols including, wearing your mask when you're in public spaces. Wash your hands well or use hand sanitizer after touching surfaces in public places. Keep physical distance from others when you stop during your travels. 

Updated 1/6/21

A Parents & Families Meeting was held Sunday, January 10.  A recording is available by emailing parent@emu.edu

The Student Town Hall was hosted later that evening. The slides from the student town hall can be downloaded and viewed as a pdf.  All of the information shared at the Town Hall was also shared via email and available in the FAQs as well

Updated 1/12/21

Detailed information was emailed to students on December 17. CHECK YOUR EMAIL!

Residential undergraduates will move in January 15-17, 2021. ALL STUDENTS WILL REPORT TO THE UNIVERSITY COMMONS FOR TESTING FIRST.

You will need to schedule a time to be tested and to move-in. The link or email to make this appointment is in the 12/17 email. 

Returning Students COVID Testing and Move-Back (those students who lived on campus during Fall Semester 2020) :

• Friday, January 15, 1- 6 p.m.,
• Saturday, January 16, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and
• Sunday, January 17, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
• See your email for the link to the calendar to self-select your time.

New Students COVID Testing and Move-In (students who did not live on campus during Fall Semester 2020 OR newly enrolled EMU students):

• Friday, January 15, 8 a.m.-noon 
• Contact housing@emu.edu to schedule your move-in time.

Updated 1/6/21

Yes. Upon arrival on campus, all EMU residential students will report to University Commons for a COVID screening test. These rapid antigen tests are free and will be administered by health care professionals. A negative test will be required before entering campus housing. Students with positive tests will have the option of on-campus isolation or returning home, and we will support you regardless of your choice.  We continue to determine required testing and testing resources for other members of the EMU community for the beginning of the spring semester, based on the status of COVID-19 in our Harrisonburg and recommendations from state and health officials.

Throughout the semester, testing will be available for all students who are symptomatic or exposed.

Updated 1/6/21

Student-athletes and athletics staff anticipate being able to compete in all of our ODAC sports in the spring. With guidance from the NCAA, we will do additional testing for our student-athletes and our athletic staff.

See the Athletics section for more information.

Updated 1/6/21

Now! Symptom tracking began again on January 4. Daily reminder emails have resumed.

Each morning, you are required to log into the EMU Medicat Portal using your Royals username and password. After logging on, follow the instructions for DAILY COVID-19 Symptom Tracking. Answer the questions  below the large dot. After completing the tracking questions, your dot will change color to indicate your risk of COVID-19 at that time. Please call the EMU COVID hotline (540.421.3406) or email covidhotline@emu.edu. if you receive an orange or red dot, and do not come to work until cleared by Health Services. The hotline is staffed from 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.  If your call is not answered because staff are busy, please leave your name, phone number, and a brief message and we will return your call. 

Updated 1/6/21

Spring semester begins January 18 with MLK Day programming. To limit unsafe travel, spring break has been replaced with multiple "pause days" to maintain on-campus opportunities for rest. View the calendar here.

Updated 1/6/21

Undergraduate students taking courses offered by the EMU Harrisonburg campus will operate under a calendar that takes into account models of the COVID-19 virus outbreak that project increases during the winter flu season.

 

Spring 2020

The Spring Semester 2021 calendar is available here.

Undergraduate courses on the Harrisonburg campus will begin January 18, 2021. Rather than a week-long spring break, several "Pause days" and "Reading days" have been added to the spring semester. See the calendar for these dates. The spring semester will end on May 6, 2021.

EMU at Lancaster will not be adopting this specific 2020-21 academic calendar. Participants should check the EMU at Lancaster website for course dates/times for all courses, including general education courses.

Graduate program start and end dates of fall semester 2020 vary by program. Please check with your program director for more information.

Updated 11/3/20

We understand students may have underlying health concerns or other reasons why attending in-person classes are a concern. Similar to fall semester, faculty are prepared to teach both in-person with social distancing protocols, as well as making use of Zoom or other online teaching modes. Please be aware that there are some courses (labs, studio art, clinicals, practicums) that require at least partial in-person learning.

Complete this form to begin the approval process and you will be contacted by Zach Yoder, assistant provost for student success, or Shannon Dycus, dean of students, for additional follow-up or conversation. 

Updated  11/20/2020

See the "Health and Safety" section for details.

Updated 1/10/21

EMU has started a Student Tuition Relief Fund to provide direct tuition relief for current and prospective students. 

Updated 11/4/20

A shift to remote learning does not necessarily mean an evacuation of campus.

CMPT may determine the need to tighten restrictions on a temporary basis to assess an imminent threat to public health, to conduct testing, or expand cleaning due to an outbreak. 

Depending on the nature of the situation and guidance from VDH and local authorities, a period of remote learning with residential students remaining on campus may be advisable. A period of remote learning will be followed by a decision to return to previous learning/living conditions or options to depopulate campus for additional risk reduction.

• The Hybrid Flexible, or Hyflex, model is used to facilitate curriculum delivery via several modalities (face-to-face, online synchronous, and online asynchronous), which will allow classes to continue. 
• EMU’s plan includes short-term provisions for residential students to quarantine-in-place, all students continue online or asynchronous instruction, and non-essential faculty and staff to work remotely. 
• Gatherings and student activities may be limited.

The decision by CMPT to shift the entire campus to remote learning will be determined by the following internal and external factors:

Internal factors

• The number of cases among our resident and commuter students and faculty/staff populations;
• The capacity for isolation and quarantine (75% of space utilization is a significant marker);
• The nature of transmission, as monitored by our contact tracers;
• Impact on faculty and staff to support student learning and services.

External factors

• Rates of local COVID incidence;
• Rollback in VA or Harrisonburg from Phase 3 to Phase 2,
• Significant changes in area colleges and universities response strategies.

EMU leaders are also in regular communication with VDH officials, City of Harrisonburg officials, K-12 administrators and leaders at our local universities.

Updated 1/19/21

Criteria for shutdown consideration include the following:

Internal factors

• The number of cases among our student resident and commuter populations, and faculty/staff populations;
• The capacity for isolation and quarantine (75% of space utilization is a significant marker)
• The nature of transmission, as monitored by our contact tracers;
• Impact on faculty and staff to support student learning and services.

External factors

• Guidance from VDH liaison in the ongoing response to campus outbreak management,
• Rates of local COVID incidence,
• Significant changes in area colleges and universities response strategies,
• Public health risk near campus, identified through VDH or the City of Harrisonburg as state of emergency,
• Executive order through the Commonwealth of Virginia for college/university closure or declaration of COVID Phase 1.

EMU leaders are in regular communication with City of Harrisonburg officials,K-12 administrators and leaders at our local universities.

Updated 1/19/21

Orientation for new and returning students included mandatory COVID safety meetings delivered in a hybrid format. Students are strongly encouraged to check EMU emails regularly for updates and invitations to live conversations. Parents can sign up for regular newsletter updates here. 

Faculty and staff received access to materials and training prior to the start of the academic year and again prior to the start of the spring semester.

Updated 1/12/2021

Monitoring of the health of our community at this time is required by the VDH. Health Services, HR and Student Life are active partners in the monitoring.

STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF: If you are are symptomatic for COVID or have been exposed to someone diagnosed or symptomatic with COVID, call EMU's COVID-19 hotline (540) 421-3406 or email covidhotline@emu.edu. The hotline is staffed from 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.  If your call is not answered because staff are busy, please leave your name, phone number, and a brief message and we will return your call. This is not an emergency line. If you have an emergency, please call 911 or campus security. 

Students, faculty and staff will access COVID symptom tracking through our health record platform. This symptom tracking notification comes to each student's EMU email address. The need for quarantine will be assessed as students respond to initial screening and on-site COVID testing will be administered as needed.

The symptom tracker is put in place to help individuals pay attention to how they are feeling from day to day. Although it is true that persons can have COVID-19 and not have symptoms, it has been proven that tracking symptoms every day does decrease the number of persons impacted by someone who is symptomatic.

Employees are required to access daily COVID symptom tracking through our health record platform.

EMU leaders are in regular communication with City of Harrisonburg officials and leaders at our local universities.

Updated 12/4/20

Members of the campus community and parents of students may opt-in to an email notification of a positive COVID-19 case among faculty, staff or students. Send an email to cmpt_info@emu.edu for the opt-in form link.

This same information about a positive case on campus will  be accessible at www.emu.edu/coronavirus.

Per health care privacy guidelines and the responsibility to protect the identities of affected employees and students, notification will include only basic information that a case is present on campus.

EMU’s COVID-19 protocol ensures that those who have met the criteria for possible exposure to the individual will be contacted by our on-campus contact tracer.

If you are symptomatic for COVID or have been exposed to someone diagnosed or symptomatic with COVID, call EMU's COVID-19 hotline (540) 421-3406 or email covidhotline@emu.edu.  The hotline is staffed from 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.  If your call is not answered because staff are busy, please leave your name, phone number, and a brief message and we will return your call. This is not an emergency line. If you have an emergency, please call 911 or campus security. 

The recommended COVID-19 adaptations for EMU infrastructure identified below rest upon the foundations of guidance from the American College Health Association (ACHA) and more recently released guidance for institutions of higher education by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Our fundamental goal is to operate within these guidelines to the greatest extent possible given our context.

Classrooms and labs:  

• All classrooms and lab configurations provide for appropriate social distancing (e.g. 6 feet of distance per CDC guidelines) and/or protection via safety protocols and EMU-provided PPE. 
• Academic schedules have been adjusted to allow more time between classes to address congestion, walk-flows between classes, and time for additional cleaning.

Residence halls:  

• Many students have single-occupancy rooms (at double-occupancy rates) in order to limit close contact and reduce bathroom traffic.  
• Common spaces and furniture within those spaces are adjusted to facilitate appropriate social distancing.  
• No visitors will be allowed in residence halls - a visitor is defined as anyone who does not live in the residence hall. 

Dining hall:  

Observation of Virginia Health Department guidelines is required for operation, which include the following: 

• Staff serve all food.
• All food is served in take-out containers. Students may choose to sit in the very limited seating in the dining hall, in the Den or Hall of Nations (in the University Commons), in Main Lounges of their own residential building, their residence hall room, or various locations outside to eat their food.
• Spacing of tables and chairs accommodate social distancing requirements in the dining hall, Royals Den and Common Grounds. 
• A hand sanitizer or handwashing station is  set up at the entrance.
• Plexiglass panels have been added as needed.
• Spacing markers on the floor guide appropriate social distancing in waiting and serving lines. 
• New foot traffic patterns are implemented to minimize two-way traffic.
• Table and chairs are cleaned after each use.

NOTE: From 11 a.m.-noon, the dining hall is open to faculty and staff for purchase of take-out food only.

Office/Administration:  

• Offices are arranged to implement social distancing requirements.
• Customer service areas are consolidated to minimize interaction points.
• Protection shields have been added to reception areas.
• Spacing markers on the floor guide appropriate social distancing for those waiting.
• New foot-traffic patterns minimize two-way traffic.
• Doors are to be left open, within fire code requirements, to avoid door handle contamination.
• All meetings will continue virtually when possible. Conference rooms are not available for student use, but outdoor spaces are available.
• We encourage one person at a time in lounge, restroom, and kitchen areas.

For information about social distancing protocols related to athletics, see the “Athletics” section.

Updated 10/26/20

The recommended COVID-19 adaptations for EMU infrastructure identified below rest upon the foundations of guidance from the American College Health Association (ACHA) and more recently released guidance for institutions of higher education by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Our fundamental goal is to operate within these guidelines to the greatest extent possible given our context.

Custodial/Cleaning Services: 

• All disinfectant products EMU is using are EPA-certified effective against the COVID-19 virus. 
• A substantial increase to cleaning/disinfection protocols in high-traffic areas as well as in residence halls is in effect.. 
• Custodial services focuses on public high touch points and restrooms.
• High touch points are wiped clean several times each day.
• Public restrooms are cleaned at least one time per day and remain closed during cleaning to allow for proper disinfection.
• Custodial services provide the appropriate cleaning supplies to each office/department to assist in disinfection.
• Faculty/staff are asked to clean high touch points (telephone, keyboard, mouse, etc.) in their own spaces.
• Classrooms are cleaned based upon class schedule and room reservations in 25Live.
• Hand sanitizer stations are available in all buildings. It is everyone’s responsibility to wash their hands and use provided hand sanitizer per CDC guidelines.
• Faculty and students are asked to clean their personal working space (table/desk/chair etc) as they enter the classroom with provided disinfectant wipes.
• Should a faculty or staff member test positive, deep-cleaning procedures may be implemented or alternately, the impacted department or office may be closed for a period of up to 72 hours following a confirmed case to allow for natural deactivation of the virus. 

Grounds/Facilities/Maintenance: 

• Facilities has increased sanitizing of waste management equipment, receptacles, and collection areas. 
• Campus-wide HVAC system airflow volume is maximized per guidance. 

Dining Hall: 

Pioneer employees will wear masks, have their temperature checked before each shift, and answer health questions daily.

Observation of Virginia Health Department guidelines is required for operation, which include the following:

• Staff will serve all food.
• All food will be served in take-out containers. Students may choose to sit in the VERY LIMITED seating in the dining hall to eat their food.
• A hand sanitizer or handwashing station will be set up at the entrance.
• Plexiglass panels will be added as needed.
• Table and chairs will be cleaned after each use.

NOTE: From 11 a.m.-noon, the dining hall is open to faculty and staff for purchase of take-out food only.

For information about cleaning protocols related to athletics, see below.

Updated 10/26/20

Yes. There is a campus-wide requirement for the use of cloth face coverings when members of the campus community - including students and employees - are inside buildings, outdoors in common areas or in areas where social distancing protocols cannot be met. Face coverings are required outside when you are not able to be socially distanced by at least 6 feet. Face coverings are required when walking between buildings and passing others on sidewalks, etc.

For specific information about masks and face coverings (recommended style and materials, ect), visit the CDC website.\

Updated 10/26/20

Students

EMU Health Services works with a student to get proper care, including testing and movement into quarantine/isolation space. COVID-19 testing is available on campus for those with symptoms. Testing protocols are in accordance with Virginia Department of Health guidelines. 

A staff nurse manages COVID-19 case tracking and contact tracing as needed; provides related care; and acts as a liaison to the local health department. 

Faculty and staff

Faculty and staff members who are experiencing COVID symptoms may utilize EMU Health Services for COVID testing.  An initial telehealth appointment will be scheduled with a provider to determine the next steps for testing.  All services will be billed to insurance. EMU's health insurance plan covers a COVID test at 100% when the patient is deemed symptomatic.

If you are are symptomatic for COVID or have been exposed to someone diagnosed or symptomatic with COVID, call EMU's COVID-19 hotline at (540) 421-3406 or email covidhotline@emu.edu. The hotline is staffed from 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.  If your call is not answered because staff are busy, please leave your name, phone number, and a brief message and we will return your call. This is not an emergency line. If you have an emergency, please call 911 or campus security. 

Updated 1/12/21

EMU campus buildings, including the dining hall, are closed to non-essential visitors. Essential guests with operational or educational responsibility and a need to be on campus will be required to sign in upon every visit.

EMU residence halls and EMU Residence Life-managed houses, suites, and apartments are closed to guests/visitors. 

Students and others may interact with guests in outdoor locations, and guests are to register and follow screening guidance to be on campus. Access the visitor registration form.

Updated 1/12/21

EMU-sponsored travel for all members of the campus community is restricted in the spring semester. 

Personal travel is also strongly discouraged because of the risk of acquiring infection when away and potential risk for EMU campus upon return. It is understood there may be circumstances when travel is essential. As much as possible, limit travel to local areas for only essential needs.

Students and employees who are considering travel are urged to reference the CDC Travel Advisory website. 

Students who travel beyond Harrisonburg vicinity must contact the COVID hotline (540-421-3406) or email covidhotline@emu.edu. Be prepared for consultation with Health Services upon return and potential quarantine before returning to campus activities.

EMU may require employees to stay at home and quarantine if you are around others that test positive for COVID-19 or travel to an area deemed a "hot spot."

Updated 1/12/21

Personal travel, including visiting friends and family outside of the EMU Harrisonburg community, is strongly discouraged because of the risk of acquiring infection when away and potential risk for EMU campus upon return. Commuter students are invited to adhere closely to health protocols while on campus. Residential students are advised to limit travel to local areas for only essential needs. Interactions with local family members should maintain health protocols of masking, distancing and hand-washing to limit impact of campus interactions. All students are expected to use the daily symptom tracker for self assessment and updates to Health Services.

Updated 1/4/21

While widespread public health concerns require precautions, it is critical to avoid stigma and discrimination against students and employees. Diseases such as COVID-19 can be associated with a population or nationality, even though not everyone from a group or region is at higher risk for having or transmitting the disease. Recognize when students or employees are being mistreated because of their background and take action to maintain the college’s inclusion standards.

Updated 8/17/20

EMU Health Services is available for students who need medical care. 

A staff nurse manages COVID-19 case tracking and contact tracing as needed; provides COVID-related care; and acts as a liaison to the local health department. If you are are symptomatic for COVID or have been exposed to someone diagnosed or symptomatic with COVID, you should call EMU's COVID hotline, 540-421-3406 or email covidhotline@emu.edu. The hotline is staffed from 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.  If your call is not answered because staff are busy, please leave your name, phone number, and a brief message and we will return your call. This is not an emergency line. If you have an emergency, please call 911 or campus security. 

Tele-health appointments are utilized for patient visits to the university health clinic. Visits of patients who are not ill will be provided in person.

Our local hospital is Sentara RMH.  

Updated 1/12/21

EMU Counseling Services is available for students in need of mental health care. 

Updated 8/17/20

Residential students

Immediate action steps for students who have symptoms or had contact with COVID-19

1. CALL 911 if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
2. CALL the EMU COVID hotline, 540-421-3406 or email covidhotline@emu.edu if you are not experiencing a medical emergency but have signs or symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, fever, shortness of breath, loss of taste/smell).
3. CALL the EMU COVID hotline, 540-421-3406 or email covidhotline@emu.edu, if you have been in contact with someone who has had a positive COVID-19 test or is suspected of having COVID-19.
4. The hotline is staffed from 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.  If your call is not answered because staff are busy, please leave your name, phone number, and a brief message and we will return your call. This is not an emergency line. If you have an emergency, please call 911 or campus security. 

 A TeleHealth Health Services assessment will be conducted to determine symptoms and next steps. EMU Health Services will work with student to get proper care, including testing and movement into quarantine/isolation space.

The student will be required to quarantine between the time of Health Services determination that testing is needed until results of testing are returned. If test is negative result, quarantine will continue until symptom/s completely go away. If test is positive, quarantine will become isolation and procedures below will be implemented. 

For students in isolation and quarantine, there will be shared monitoring from Health Services for medical care, Campus Ministries & Counseling for emotional/mental support and COVID Response Staff for meal deliveries and virtual programming/connection needs while in isolation/quarantine. If the test is positive, additional steps are taken to involve VDH. 

Commuter students

Commuter students who experience any symptom related to COVID-19 will contact the COVID hotline 540-421-3406. The hotline is staffed from 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.  If your call is not answered because staff are busy, please leave your name, phone number, and a brief message and we will return your call. This is not an emergency line. If you have an emergency, please call 911 or campus security. 

A TeleHealth Health Services assessment will be conducted to determine symptoms and next steps. 

The student will be required to stay home and quarantine/isolate there between the time of determination that testing is needed until results of testing are returned. If test is negative result, quarantine will continue until symptom/s completely go away. If test is positive, quarantine will become isolation and student must continue to stay at home until they are without symptoms for 72 hours (3 days). 

For students in isolation and quarantine, there will be shared monitoring from Health Services for medical care, and Campus Ministries & Counseling for emotional/mental support needs while in isolation/quarantine. If the test is positive, additional steps are taken to involve VDH.

Updated 1/12/21

According to the CDC, isolation and quarantine are public health practices used to protect the public by preventing exposure to people who have or may have a contagious disease.

• Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick.
• Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick. These people may have been exposed to a disease and do not know it, or they may have the disease but do not show symptoms

Residential students

EMU has designated spaces on and off campus for residential students who need to isolate because they are awaiting test results or have been confirmed as positive.

These are separate from student living spaces, and have bathroom and kitchen capacity. 

For students in isolation and quarantine, there will be shared monitoring from Health Services for medical care, Campus Ministries and Counseling Services for emotional/mental support and COVID Response Staff for meal deliveries and Residence Life for continuing virtual programming/connection needs.

Significant additional staff allocation will be made to provide services to students in isolation/quarantine under Student Life supervision/coordination.

Commuter students

Commuter students who have symptoms will be required to stay home and quarantine/isolate there between the time of determination that testing is needed until results of testing are returned. If the test result is negative, quarantine will continue until symptom/s completely go away. If test is positive, quarantine will become isolation and student must continue to stay at home until they are without symptoms for 72 hours (3 days). 

For commuter students in isolation and quarantine, there will be shared monitoring from Health Services for medical care and Campus Ministries and Counseling Services for emotional/mental support while in isolation/quarantine. If the test is positive, additional steps are taken to involve VDH. 

Updated 1/12/21

CMPT may determine the need to tighten restrictions on a temporary basis to assess an imminent threat to public health, to conduct testing or expand cleaning due to an outbreak. 

• Hybrid Flexible, or Hyflex, will be used to facilitate curriculum delivery via several modalities (face-to-face, online synchronous, & online asynchronous). This allows the university to quickly modify instruction to fully online or asynchronous if an outbreak occurs on campus. 
• Includes short-term provisions for residential students to quarantine-in-place, all students continue online or asynchronous instruction, and non-essential faculty and staff to work remotely. 
• Tightening restrictions could also include limiting gatherings or limiting student activities.

The decision by CMPT to shift the entire campus to remote learning will be determined by the following internal and external factors:

Internal factors

• The number of cases among our resident and commuter students and faculty/staff populations;
• The capacity for isolation and quarantine (75% of space utilization is a significant marker);
• The nature of transmission, as monitored by our contact tracers;
• Impact on faculty and staff to support student learning and services.

External factors

• Rates of local COVID incidence;
• Rollback in VA or Harrisonburg from Phase 3 to Phase 2,
• Significant changes in area colleges and universities response strategies.

EMU leaders are in regular communication tracking COVID-19 details with City of Harrisonburg officials, K-12 administrators and leaders at our local universities.

Remote learning does not necessarily mean the evacuation of the campus. Depending on the nature of the situation precipitating a cessation of in-person teaching, it may not be advisable for all students to travel home. Depending on the nature of the situation and guidance from VDH and local authorities, a period of remote learning with residential students remaining on campus may be advisable. With guidance from VDH, a period of remote learning is followed by a decision to return to previous learning/living conditions or options to depopulate campus for additional risk reduction. 

Depopulation of campus will include remote work procedures for non-essential employees and residential students who are not in isolation or quarantine being advised to return home.

Updated 1/19/21

Thinking about spring semester and a fresh start, what have we learned from fall? What do we need to do to maintain a  safe, healthy, caring, and just residential community at EMU?

We've learned that our own behavior and attitudes impact our community, now more than ever. We know that guidelines are developed to keep us safe and that if we don't adhere to them, we're putting ourselves and others at risk. We know we care for and about each other.

So, having established that, here's the most important actions we can take:

• Learning about signs, symptoms, and treatment options for COVID-19 and applying that learning to how we live and interact together. 
• Correctly wearing a face covering/mask at all times when NOT on hall/with household group.
• Maintaining at least 6’ of physical distance between you and those who are not part of your household group. Maintaining social connections in all the ways that are still possible. 
• Disinfecting surfaces that you can, that others may use after you (bathroom surfaces, lounge furniture, kitchen surfaces)
• Washing your hands thoroughly and regularly.
• Participating in regular self-screening and reporting any symptoms that develop.
• Thinking twice about travel outside of Harrisonburg while classes are in session. Self-reporting and following COVID Response staff recommendations regarding safety measures if travel outside of Harrisonburg is necessary. 
• Being accountable, and holding others accountable (“hey, shouldn’t you be wearing a mask right now?”) to our expectations of living together. 

 Updated 11/4/2020

Building community is still a priority at EMU, but how we do that in common spaces looks different. 

We have taken many steps to prioritize health and safety, including single occupancy rooms for many incoming and returning students. 

Our housing model for all undergraduate students is a “Household Group” model. Household Groups are constituted by who shares a bathroom and range in size from 1*-20+ depending on residential location. *If you are a Household Group of 1 - contact your RD if you are interested in joining with another HG to combat loneliness. 

• Parkwoods, Hillside, Redmond, Bridge: Each suite/apartment/house is a HG.
• Northlawn, Elmwood, Maplewood - ½ halls are HGs.
• Cedarwood - each pod is a HG.

Household Groups exist so that you have a place to be together without all the health protocols: When you are inside your HG space (suite, apartment, house, ½ hall, etc.) with others of your HG, you do not NEED to wear a face covering/mask, physically distance, etc. 

When you are outside of your HG space - even if you are (only) with other members of your HG -  wear your face covering and maintain physical distance. 

No guests are allowed inside the residence hall/suite/apartment. A guest is anyone who is not a member of your household (even an EMU student who lives in a different building). 

Student groups (both within and outside household groups) can reserve designated indoor spaces to hang out after hours. Email  emily.forrer@emu.edu for more info.

Student Life staff have facilitated student and campus engagement using 

• hyflex and hybrid deliveries for convocation, worship, student programming events; 
• Increased use of outdoor gathering and dining space; 
• increased student support and online access, including mental health self-service apps, funding for student chrome books/hotspots, etc. 

Updated 10/26/20

EMU-sponsored travel for all members of the campus community is restricted in the spring semester. 

Personal travel is also strongly discouraged because of the risk of acquiring infection when away and potential risk for EMU campus upon return. It is understood there may be circumstances when travel is essential. As much as possible, limit travel to local areas for only essential needs.

Students and employees who are considering travel are urged to reference the CDC Travel Advisory website. 

Students who travel beyond Harrisonburg vicinity must contact the COVID hotline (540-421-3406) or email covidhotline@emu.edu. Be prepared for consultation with Health Services upon return and potential quarantine before returning to campus activities.

EMU may require employees to stay at home and quarantine if you are around others that test positive for COVID-19 or travel to an area deemed a "hot spot."

Updated 1/12/21

Pioneer employees will wear masks, have their temperature checked before each shift and answer health questions daily.

No visitors will be allowed in the dining hall. Total occupancy for the dining hall has been reduced per current distancing requirements. Changes to the academic schedule allow for longer breaks at peak dining times to manage total occupancy loads.

Observation of Virginia Health Department guidelines is required for operation, which include the following: 

• Staff will serve all food.
• All food will be served in take-out containers. Students may choose to sit in the VERY LIMITED seating in the dining hall to eat their food.
• Spacing of tables and chairs will accommodate social distancing requirements in the dining hall, Royals Den and Common Grounds. 
• A hand sanitizer or handwashing station will be set up at the entrance.
• Plexiglass panels will be added as needed.
• Spacing markers on the floor will guide appropriate social distancing in waiting and serving lines. 
• New foot traffic patterns will be implemented to minimize two-way traffic.
• Table and chairs will be cleaned after each use.

Read additional reopening guidelines provided by Pioneer College Caterers.

NOTE: From 11 a.m.-noon, the dining hall is open to faculty and staff for purchase of take-out food only.

Updated 1/12/21

Yes. There is a campus-wide requirement for the use of cloth face coverings when members of the campus community - including students and employees - are inside buildings, outdoors in common areas or in areas where social distancing protocols cannot be met. Face coverings are required outside when you are not able to be socially distanced by at least 6 feet. Face coverings are required when walking between buildings and passing others on sidewalks, etc.

For specific information about masks and face coverings (recommended style and materials, ect), visit the CDC website.

Updated 10/26/20

Relationships are important. Be creative with how you spend time with those closest to you. We encourage you to interact with significant others and students from your family with the same physical distancing practices as anyone else who is not in your household group. If you choose to not practice physical distancing, for instance in a romantic relationship, you must inform contract tracers of who you have been close to if you begin to experience symptoms or a potential positive case arises. Significant others and family members who live on campus are not allowed in your residence hall unless they live there too and they are not allowed in your room unless they are part of your household group. 

Updated 10/26/20

Ideally, you should only ride in the same car as members of your same household group (still, wearing a face covering/mask is recommended). However, if you need to ride in someone else’s car (someone who is not in your household group), you should wear your face coverings/masks, try not to pack the car to full capacity, and ventilate heavily. Windows down is ideal, but, when using heat/AC, draw from outside air.

Updated 10/26/20

See "Health and Safety" above for details.

Fall, winter and spring sports, with the exception of indoor track, will compete with ODAC schools during the spring semester. Each team will play approximately half of the number of games they normally play. We will compete only against ODAC schools.

Read the ODAC's 11/17 announcement.  ODAC has also published FAQs with specific information about each sport.

EMU will be releasing spring competition schedules on emuroyals.com.

The ODAC conference has released a policy that no spectators are permitted at any ODAC indoor athletic event for the upcoming spring campaign. Read more. EMU plans to livestream games and plans are underway for spectating at outdoor events. We'll update this page as soon as we know, but you can also stay tuned to emuroyals.com as well.

Updated 1/12/2020

 Yes, all athletes who participate this spring will not be charged a season of participation, and they will not be charged semesters of enrollment (in short, it will be as if the year never happened). Athletes enrolled in the spring semester 2020 have already received an extra season of eligibility.

While enrolling in additional semesters is costly, two options exist that may assist students and parents in decision-making. During the final season of eligibility, an athlete can be enrolled in as little as 1 credit, or they can enroll in graduate courses.

Updated 11/2/20

We will follow NCAA recommendations in cooperation with local and state health officials and the ODAC. 

Read more about the ODAC's 11/17/20 announcement to follow the testing recommendations published by the NCAA in its Resocialization of Collegiate Sport: Developing Standards for Practice and Competition, Second Edition.

Testing will vary depending on the risk category of the sport. While testing recommendation continue to evolve, we do anticipate using a rapid, point-of-contact antigen test up to three times a week for high-risk sports and surveillance testing methods for the medium-risk sports. Testing for low-risk sports will follow standard campus-wide testing ( for symptomatic cases only). Testing will only be possible, however, with the availablity of a low-cost rapid test. We anticipate being able to provide more specific information in the coming weeks on this topic.

Updated 11/18/2020

The ODAC conference has released a policy that no spectators are permitted at any ODAC indoor athletic event for the upcoming spring campaign. Read more.

EMU plans to livestream games and plans are underway for spectating at outdoor events. We'll update this page as soon as we know, but you can also stay tuned to emuroyals.com as well.

Updated 1/12/2020

Per NCAA requirements, masks are required for all athletic practices except swimming and sprinting. The ODAC is establishing guidelines for travel, visiting teams and officials that will be followed by all schools. Regular testing should allow us to use charter buses with athletes masked and seated as far apart as possible. Travel in vans is prohibited. Meals will be boxed from Pioneer Catering or delivered to the competition site.

Updated 11/2/2020

• Self-Monitor: stay home if COVID-19 symptomatic, positive, or potentially exposed
• Observe Testing, Quarantine, and Isolation Protocols
• Engage temperature taking/screening protocols upon daily entry to building; details available in EMU at Lancaster Re-Opening Plan (III.A.3-4)
• Observe physical distancing protocols, prompts and reminders throughout facility
• Wear face covering upon entry to the facility and at all times when moving about the facility
• Wash hand with soap and water frequently; use hand sanitizer provided
• Individuals who do not meet screening requirements for entry or who do not observe safety protocols will be asked to leave the facility

• Contact Lancaster Health and Safety Coordinator, Linda Witmer
  Text or call:  717-844-1675 or Email: covid.lancaster@emu.edu
• Students, Staff, or Faculty who experience COVID-19 symptoms should follow Testing, Quarantine and Isolation Protocols
• Students should communicate their learning needs to their faculty and program director. Withdrawals, extensions, or incompletes will be made available as warranted
• Faculty/Staff should communicate their working needs to their supervisor and employee HR policies related to illness will be implemented

• Face coverings may be removed when seated at classroom or office designated work-space AND physically distanced from others
• All in-person classes and on-site meetings will be held in spaces that allow for a minimum of 6 feet of social distancing
• At faculty discretion in consultation with program directors, in-person class times may be abbreviated with additional equivalent learning activities facilitated on-line
• Faculty, Staff, or Students who have Personal Health, Family Health, or Dependent Care concerns related to COVID-19 may request to work or learn remotely. Please complete this form no later than Monday, August 17 ONLY IF you wish to learn or work remotely.
  • STUDENT REMOTE LEARNING REQUEST FORM
  • FACULTY/STAFF REMOTE WORK REQUEST FORM (Ignore July 31 deadline information)
• Any approved changes to classroom delivery modality and engagement will be communicated to students and faculty no later than August 24, 2020

In the Event of Illness: If you become ill or are exposed to someone who is ill over any holiday break, please log your symptoms in the symptom tracker and call your family physician. If you have a positive COVID test result over break, notify EMU through the COVID hotline (540) 421-3406 or email covidhotline@emu.edu.  Remember that if you are symptomatic or have been exposed, do not come to work until you have received a negative test result.

During Semesters

As part of our plan to keep the EMU campus healthy, we are implementing daily symptom tracking.  For consistency, you are required to complete this daily (7 days/week) whether or not you are on campus. You will be sent daily reminders to complete the tracker. 

Each morning, you are required to log into the EMU Medicat Portal using your Royals username and password. After logging on, follow the instructions for DAILY COVID-19 Symptom Tracking. Answer the questions  below the large dot. After completing the tracking questions, your dot will change color to indicate your risk of COVID-19 at that time. Please call the EMU COVID hotline (540.421.3406) if you receive an orange or red dot, and do not come to work until cleared by Health Services. The hotline is staffed from 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.  If your call is not answered because staff are busy, please leave your name, phone number, and a brief message and we will return your call. 

If you have any questions or problems using the symptom tracker, please email Beth Good (beth.good@emu.edu) for assistance.

Steps if you are experiencing symptoms or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive:

• If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
• If you are not experiencing a medical emergency but have signs or symptoms of COVID-19, you should contact your healthcare provider for further instructions. Then, contact EMU's COVID-19 hotline at (540) 421-3406.
• If an employee develops symptoms while at work or is informed they have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or tests positive for the virus, the employee should contact EMU's COVID-19 hotline at (540) 421-3406. The hotline is staffed from 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.  If your call is not answered because staff are busy, please leave your name, phone number, and a brief message and we will return your call. 
• If an employee develops symptoms, has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or tests positive for the virus and has been on-site, we will ask them to provide us with information regarding who they have been in close contact with at EMU. Close contact is defined as within six feet for a period of 15 minutes or more. The contact tracer will inform others of possible exposure at work to the positive employee without revealing that employee's identity as soon as possible (within 24 hours) of positive employee.

Employees who test positive for COVID-19 will not be permitted to return to working on-site until they have met the following criteria:

• At least 14 days off-site plus three days (72 hours) since recovery, defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath).

Updated 12/4/20

Employees will wear a face-covering that covers their nose and mouth to comply with Governor Northam’s Executive Order at all times inside a building at EMU except when in their own office with a closed door or eating. Face-coverings are required outside when you are not able to be socially distanced by at least 6-feet. Face-coverings are required when walking between buildings and passing others on the sidewalk, etc.

For specific information about masks and face coverings (recommended style and materials, ect), visit the CDC website.

Updated 8/17/20

• All faculty and staff will be required to practice social distancing at all times while on-site. This means that all persons should remain at least six feet apart, both inside and outside of buildings.
• Employees will wear a face-covering that covers their nose and mouth to comply with Governor Northam's Executive Order at all times inside all buildings at EMU except when in their own office with a closed door or eating.
• Face-coverings are required outside when you are not able to be socially distanced by at least 6-feet. Face-coverings are required when walking between buildings and passing others on sidewalks, etc.
• Employees should alternate on-site working days within each area to limit occupancy. Your supervisor will assist with a scheduling plan.
• Schedule start/end times of work sessions and breaks to minimize the number of people moving in close vicinity.
• Occupancy of common areas such as breakrooms, copy rooms, and restrooms should be limited to one individual at a
• All meetings should continue to occur via virtual platforms such as Zoom. Conference rooms should not be utilized for group meetings.
• Physical contact with co-workers should be avoided. This includes handshake greetings, elbow bumps, etc.
• External visitors are limited to essential only. Outside guests on campus will be expected to adhere to all social distancing guidelines at all times. Guests must register here.
• Signage regarding social distancing, face-coverings, traffic flow, and CDC information is posted in all high traffic areas.

Updated 8/17/20

• Cleaning supplies are furnished in office areas. Employees will wipe down high touch areas and equipment, such as workstations, equipment, screens, doorknobs, etc., throughout the day.
• Employees will avoid using any shared office supplies or supplies belonging to others.
• Custodial staff will conduct frequent cleanings and disinfection of facilities.
• Cleaning logs will be maintained by Facilities indicating the date, time, and scope of cleaning.
• In heavy traffic areas, high-touch surfaces will be disinfected frequently.
• EMU will ensure access to handwashing facilities on site, including soap and running water, and encourages frequent hand washing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol can be used as an alternative and are available at main entrances.
• If an employee who is diagnosed with COVID-19 has been on campus, the area will be disinfected thoroughly by the custodial team and facilities management.

For additional information, see the “Health and Safety” section.

Updated 8/17/20

As much as possible, limit travel to local areas for only essential needs. EMU may require you to stay at home and quarantine if you are around others that test positive for COVID-19 or travel to an area deemed a "hot spot." Employees who are considering travel are urged to reference the CDC Travel Advisory website.  Wear masks when using public transportation, and upon return to work, ensure you take the required precautions to monitor symptoms.

Updated 12/4/20

EMU will not tolerate the harassment of employees for any stigma surrounding COVID-19.  Harassment against any employee or student who is diagnosed with COVID-19, lives with someone who is diagnosed, or is exposed, should be stopped immediately.  Supervisors should establish this expectation with their employees as soon as they return to campus.  Address harassment quickly and directly. Seek advice from your supervisor and Human Resources as needed.

Updated 8/16/20

Monitoring of the health of our community at this time is required by the VDH. Health Services, HR and Student Life will be active partners in the monitoring.  EMU leaders are in regular communication tracking COVID-19 details with City of Harrisonburg officials, K-12 administrators and leaders at our local universities.

See our dashboard

STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF: If you are are symptomatic for COVID or have been exposed to someone diagnosed or symptomatic with COVID, call EMU's COVID-19 hotline (540) 421-3406 or email covidhotline@emu.edu. The hotline is staffed from 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.  If your call is not answered because staff are busy, please leave your name, phone number, and a brief message and we will return your call.

As move-in begins, students will access COVID symptom tracking through our health record platform. This symptom tracking notification will initially come to each student's EMU email address. Students will be asked to opt in to text messaging for future symptom screening. The need for quarantine will be assessed as students respond to initial screening and on-site COVID testing will be administered as needed.

Employees are required to access daily COVID symptom tracking through the EMU Medicat Portal. For consistency, employees are required to complete this daily (7 days/week) whether or not you are on campus. Daily reminders to complete the tracker will be sent. 

After logging on, follow the instructions for DAILY COVID-19 Symptom Tracking. Answer the questions available below the large dot. After completing the tracking questions, your dot will change color to indicate your risk of COVID-19 at that time. 

Please call the EMU COVID hotline at 540-421-3406 if you receive an orange or red dot, and do not come to work until cleared by Health Services. The hotline is staffed from 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.  If your call is not answered because staff are busy, please leave your name, phone number, and a brief message and we will return your call.

Updated 8/17/20

See "Health and Safety" above for details.

See our dashboard

Remote work and learning

Remote learning does not necessarily mean the evacuation of students from the campus.

CMPT may determine the need to tighten restrictions on a temporary basis to assess an imminent threat to public health, to conduct testing or expand cleaning due to an outbreak. 

• Hybrid Flexible, or Hyflex, will be used to facilitate curriculum delivery via several modalities (face-to-face, online synchronous, & online asynchronous). This allows the University to quickly modify instruction to fully online or asynchronous if an outbreak occurs on campus. 
• Includes short-term provisions for residential students to quarantine-in-place, all students continue online or asynchronous instruction, and non-essential faculty and staff to work remotely. 
• Tightening restrictions could also include limiting gatherings or limiting student activities.

The decision by CMPT to shift the entire campus to remote learning will be determined by the following internal and external factors:

Internal factors

• The number of cases among our resident and commuter students and faculty/staff populations;
• The capacity for isolation and quarantine (75% of space utilization is a significant marker);
• The nature of transmission, as monitored by our contact tracers;
• Impact on faculty and staff to support student learning and services.

External factors

• Rates of local COVID incidence;
• Rollback in VA or Harrisonburg from Phase 3 to Phase 2,
• Significant changes in area colleges and universities response strategies.

EMU leaders are also in regular communication with VDH officials, City of Harrisonburg officials, K-12 administrators and leaders at our local universities.

Depending on the nature of the situation precipitating a cessation of in-person teaching, it may not be advisable for all students to travel home. A period of remote learning with residential students remaining on campus) may be advisable. With guidance from VDH, a period of remote learning is followed by a decision to return to previous learning/living conditions or options to depopulate campus for additional risk reduction. 

Campus Closure

Depopulation of campus will include remote work procedures for non-essential employees and residential students who are not in isolation or quarantine being advised to return home.

Criteria for shutdown consideration include the following:

Internal factors

• The number of cases among our student resident and commuter populations, and faculty/staff populations;
• The capacity for isolation and quarantine (75% of space utilization is a significant marker)
• The nature of transmission, as monitored by our contact tracers;
• Impact on faculty and staff to support student learning and services.

External factors

• Guidance from VDH liaison in the ongoing response to campus outbreak management,
• Rates of local COVID incidence,
• Significant changes in area colleges and universities response strategies,
• Public health risk near campus, identified through VDH or the City of Harrisonburg as state of emergency,
• Executive order through the Commonwealth of Virginia for college/university closure or declaration of COVID Phase 1.

   

EMU leaders are in regular communication with City of Harrisonburg officials,K-12 administrators and leaders at our local universities.

Updated 1/19/20

Please fill out this form:  Spring 2021 Request for Remote Work

Updated 8/17/20

 Contact HR (hr@emu.edu) if you have additional questions or specific questions related to your work. 

Updated 8/17/20